Shy ex-lollipop lady, 73, 'snapped' before smothering husband with a pillow
dailystar.co.uksentenced to five years and three months for taking Anthony’s life, having pressed a pillow onto his face in Ponteland, Northumberland.READ MORE: Dinosaur tracks dating back 113m years ago discovered after severe drought“Quiet and shy”, Newcastle Crown Court heard, she had been subjected to “domineering”, where her husband had “exercised control over many aspects of [her] life.”She was originally charged with murder but manslaughter was accepted by the prosecution following a guilty plea.Mr Dunn had reportedly been reckless in business and his actions had put them at risk of losing their home.Their daughter, Helen Telford, was in the house when her mum killed her dad following a smile on March 15 that led her to hold the pillow over him until he stopped breathing.Janet then told Helen she was going to the chemist, but then headed to Bolam Lake to try and take her own life.After trying to get hold of her mum Helen eventually made the discovery of her father’s body.Psychiatrists agreed Janet had experienced a depressive episode, MailOnline reports.Prosecutor Peter Glenser QC, responding to Janet’s police interview, said: “She said he (Mr Dunn) had not been violent but had been verbally abusive such that she was treading on eggshells most of the time.“It was worse at the start of their relationship.
She said he had a quick temper and liked to be in control of everything.“She said he lied about money and that made her anxious.
She said he had a heart attack in the last year and dementia had set in.”Judge Paul Sloan, sentencing, said: “Throughout the marriage you were the victim of coercive and controlling behaviour by your husband.
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